'Urgently to review the circumstances surrounding the deaths of four soldiers at Princess Royal Barracks, Deepcut between 1995 and 2002 in light of available material and any representations that might be made in this regard, and to produce a report.'

The review will start shortly and will be conducted by Nicholas Blake QC. The Army and the Surrey Police will cooperate fully with the review. It is expected that the report will be published in the first half of 2005. The report will be published in full, along with the MoD's response to it.

Mr Ingram said,

"I expect that this review will be thorough and rigorous. It is the right way to proceed. Mr Blake will have the full cooperation of the MoD and the Army. I would like to stress that the review is independent from the Government and that Mr Blake's report will be published in full.

"I am aware of the calls for a public inquiry into all non-combat deaths in the British Army. Concentrating on the deaths at Deepcut will, however, focus on the issue at the heart of public concern. An independent review will produce a report in a relatively short period of time and will not interfere with other current investigations or proceedings."

The Adjutant General, Lieutenant General Sir Alistair Irwin, said, "The Army welcomes this independent review and will fully cooperate with it. We know that there are public concerns about Deepcut and we hope that this independent review will unequivocally put these concerns to rest once and for all."

Nicholas Blake QC was called to the Bar in 1974. He practices public law, particularly in the fields of personal liberty, discrimination and human, economic and social rights. He also practices in the related fields of criminal, civil and international law. He is with Matrix Chambers.